San Marcos, California

6.24.130 – Return of Animals to Their Owners; Altering Deposit, Microchip Fee Required.

(b) Upon redemption of any lawfully impounded unaltered dog or cat found at large, the owner shall pay an altering deposit in addition to other redemption fees as established by resolution.

(c) Such altering deposit shall be refundable upon proof that the animal has been altered by a licensed veterinarian within 30 days of the redemption or deposit payment date unless the animal is under four months of age at the time of redemption or deposit payment. In such cases, the deposit shall be refundable upon proof that the animal has been altered by a licensed veterinarian by the time the animal is five months of age. Such altering deposit shall also be refundable if the owner submits, within the specified period, a written certification from a licensed veterinarian stating that, due to health considerations, the animal should not be altered, or that, in the professional judgement of the veterinarian, the animal has previously been altered.

The deposit shall be forfeited to the County if such proof of altering or written certification has not been presented to the Animal Control Authority within the specified period. All such forfeited deposits shall be used to offset the costs of animal control services.